Removing Bo-mar rib from Model 52?

[Easy]

I have a chance of buying a Model 52 with an extended Bo-mar rib. The one where the front site extends well beyond the muzzle.
Does anyone know how difficult it would be to remove the rib and replace it with an original looking front sight and an original or after-market adjustable rear sight?
It is just an esthetic thing with me...I prefer the clean look of the original gun over one with a rib and an extended sight radius.
Does anyone know if the original front sight is removed when the Bo-mar rib is installed, or is it ground down flat? Is the front site pinned on? If worse comes to worse could a new front sight be fabricated and installed by pinning it to the slide?
Any input as to how big a project this is would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Easy

 

[Rowlf]

The rib is held on by four or five screws. The bad thing is the front sight is integral to the slide on a M52 and may have had to be ground down.

On a Clark Heavy Slide 1911 that I have with a Bo-Mar tuner rib the Colt factory sights were taken off.

Here is a schematic from Numrich: 52-2 S&W Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

This would be a good gun for a red dot sight installation or shop for a regular Bo-Mar rib.

 

[Easy]

Thanks Rowlf. I had a bad feeling the front sight was integral with the slide and may have been machined to install the Bo-mar.
If I get the gun I may have to do as you suggest. I have a surplus Red Dot I could use if I can source a rail, or a regular Bo-mar may be the ticket if I can find one for a 50 year old gun.
Thanks.

 

[Ignatz]

A 52 with a Bo-Mar extended front sight is a cool gun. The slide will be missing the front sight, and have holes in it. So I'd say leave it like this and enjoy it.

 

[Easy]

Another question: If there is anyone reading this who has shot a gun with the extended Bo-mar front sight can you tell me if the extra sight radius is a definite advantage.

I am just wondering if I should leave it on the gun?

Thoughts?

Easy

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Easy, leave it alone and shoot. I have been looking for years for a rear sight, no luck. It will shoot great. Are you into it heavy?. Best

 

[Easy]

Yeah, if I get the gun I am almost convinced to leave it alone. After all, someone went to a lot of trouble to get the sight put on.

Into it heavy? If you mean shooting sports...yup. No formal target league, but I reload and shoot many types of handguns and rifles. The collection includes a nice 27-2 five inch, a LNIB 17-3, a super 41 and I just scored a near perfect Beretta 89 Gold Standard.
But now I have been bitten hard by the model 52 bug and need to add one to the family.

No cure, just treatment.

Easy

 

[Rowlf]

Another question: If there is anyone reading this who has shot a gun with the extended Bo-mar front sight can you tell me if the extra sight radius is a definite advantage.

Well... I have a Free Pistol I use in 50 Meter Men's Pistol events and the long sight radius is helpful. My 10 Meter Air Pistol has several sight radius options and I keep it in the middle of the available range. Too long of a radius and you see your wobble and hold exaggerated.

My 52-2 has stock sights and I have it for 25 Meter Center Fire. For 50 yard use I go simple and use a 45 for Center Fire and 45.

I'd get the 52 and keep an eye out for red dot rail or regular Bo-Mar ribs to appear. They pop up from time to time.

Scroll down to M52 mounts.
BME-Mounts

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Easy, what I meant was, is the 52 expensive? Mike

 

[H Richard]

If you can find a real nice 52 for less than $1000 it is a good deal. One with the Bomar rib I would think might be bought for in the $700-$800 range.

 

[Kinman]

Anytime I increase my sight radius I shoot better, I have a 3" 24-3 that I feel very competent with only as a carry piece. Anytime I am shooting for any kind of competetive accuracy I want a longer barrel or in your case sight radius via extension.

 

[jag22]

I could be completely wrong about this, but I think I have seen that gun for sale over the last few years. I guess there may more than one, don't know. My point is, it may be hard to sell as it is now and if you make further alterations it could be even harder. Just realize you may own that a lot longer than you may want to.

 

[Easy]

Thanks everyone for the great input. Especially jag22's comment about how the bo-mar rib may make the gun less attractive as a resale. A caution I will take seriously.
And thanks for the great link to BME-mounts provided by Rowlf. That site provides several good options that I didn't know existed.